11 best caravan parks on the Gold Coast by suburb

hero media
Keep the fam bam up to their eyeballs in outdoor activity by escaping to the best caravan parks on the Gold Coast.

Trips to Disneyland might top bucket lists but true-blue family holiday memories are more often freckled with days spent lounging about caravan parks. Australia’s Sunshine State is home to some of the greatest, allowing for easy access to epic, go-all-day, kid-friendly activities, affordable accommodation in some of the country’s most exciting coastal neighbourhoods, and so much more. We’ve rounded up the most value-for-money caravan parks on the Gold Coast to help you plan your next adventure.

Central Gold Coast

1. Main Beach Tourist Park

Where: Main Beach
Pet friendly? No

Offering some of the most budget-friendly accommodations right in the thick of the action, Main Beach Tourist Park is a winner for travellers who want activity layered upon activity. One of the most popular caravan parks on the Gold Coast, it’s fitted with both grass-covered and concreted powered sites that can cater for campervans, trailers, caravans, and tents, in addition to 24 ‘Ensuite Powered’ sites that come with a private bathroom and concrete slab. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom air-conditioned cabins are also available.

a family in a caravan set in a powered site at Main Beach Tourist Park
Spend time with your family at Main Beach Tourist Park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

To keep you busy between trips out on the coast experiencing a wide range of fun-filled things to do, there’s a partially shaded lagoon-style pool, barbecue facilities, a games room with a pool table, an enclosed camp kitchen, a fully patrolled section of the beach within walking distance and a playground. Plus, you’ll find a dump point, laundry, and kiosk on site.

a child on a slide at the Main Beach Tourist Park playground
There’s even a playground to keep your kids entertained. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

2. Broadwater Tourist Park

Where: Broadwater
Pet friendly? No

Situated in the sleepier Southport area, right off Broadwater’s calming waters, Broadwater Tourist Park offers another slice of prime real estate for you to set up shop while exploring the city.

waterfront cabins facing the creek at Broadwater Tourist Park
Waterfront cabins offer scenic creek views.

Featuring six styles of powered sites with varied proximities to the water, plus your choice between concrete or grassed digs and shared bathroom facilities or your own private ensuite, this caravan park on the Gold Coast is just a 15-minute walk from a ferry service that travels to hot spots like Sea World and Surfers Paradise.

a woman facilitating a dolphin show at Sea World, Gold Coast
Hop by Sea World to watch a dolphin show during your stay at Broadwater Tourist Park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

One, two and three-bedroom, self-contained cabins are also available. Two swimming pools, a tennis court, a playground, a recreation room, a giant bouncing pillow, barbecue facilities, a small store, laundry, and a camp kitchen are also on-site, plus there’s a boat ramp and dump point for further convenience.

a self-contained cabin at Broadwater Tourist Park
The self-contained cabins are equipped with cosy amenities.

Southern Gold Coast

3. Kirra Beach Tourist Park

Where: Kirra
Pet friendly? Yes

Craving sun-soaked downtime away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers and the equally action-packed Broadbeach? Kirra Beach Tourist Park is an easy, breezy caravan park on the Gold Coast that you’ll struggle to say goodbye to. It offers both unpowered and powered grassed sites for tents, plus powered dog-friendly sites for vans and trailers. There are also rooms with single beds and queen beds, and you can bring your doggo along to a selection of two-bedroom cabins, too. There’s even a dog wash to keep your pup pampered while on tour.

Activity-wise, there’s a swimming pool, shaded playground, bouncing pillow, barbecues, and a games room, plus you’ll be sorted for an extended stay thanks to a camp kitchen, laundry, and dump point.

sunset at Kirra Beach
Kirra Beach delights at sunset. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

4. Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park

Where: Tallebudgera
Pet friendly? No

The Gold Coast’s worst-kept secret, Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park , was once a relaxed haven for holidaymakers taking full advantage of the southern region’s most spectacular family-friendly swimming spot. But crowds now flock to this Gold Coast caravan park, well beyond school holidays, to soak up Talle’s picture-perfect surf set just beyond a dramatic mountain face, shallow, toddler-tailored splash spots along the creek and year-round good vibes.

The park offers unpowered and powered sites, some with ensuite bathrooms, plus rooms that cater for both couples and up to six-person families. There are also two and three-bedroom cabins. Outside of the creek’s endless swimming opportunities, there’s a kids’ splash zone and swimming pool fitted with waterslides, a food truck, tennis court, playground, and barbecue facilities on site, plus a kiosk, nearby boat ramp, dump point, laundry, and camp kitchen to keep the party rolling.

a family hanging out at the BBQ party outside their caravan in Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park
Host a BBQ party right outside your caravan. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Burleigh Heads and surrounds

5. Burleigh Beach Tourist Park

Where: Burleigh Heads
Pet friendly? No

Situated just a short stroll away from the eclectic cafe, bar and boutique mecca of Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is also just 200 metres from Burleigh Point which offers some of the dreamiest views right across the Gold Coast’s shimmering shores.

two women sitting under a beach umbrella at Burleigh Beach
Laze on the beach nearby. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The much-loved space features powered sites for campervans, trailers and tents, plus a quirky take on glamping on the Gold Coast with its adorable two-person vintage van. There’s also a range of self-contained two-bedroom cabins, plus barbecues, a communal kitchen, a laundry, a games room, an on-site kiosk, and a dump point.

a couple sitting outside their caravan at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park
Burleigh Beach Tourist Park offers great value caravan holidays. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

6. Nobby Beach Holiday Village

Where: Miami
Pet friendly? No

You’ll spot the waterslide before you get into Nobby Beach Holiday Village , a family-friendly hot spot right on the Gold Coast Highway that also offers walkable access to Miami’s thriving foodie and bar scene. This action-packed caravan park on the Gold Coast also provides easy transport to the city’s best theme parks, with a bus stop right out the front of the property.

kids riding a bike with their parents sitting outside the caravan park at Nobby Beach Holiday Village
Kids can go biking around the park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Inside, the waterslide is unsurprisingly a kid magnet but so are the ninja and junior playgrounds, two heated pools and a recreation room fitted with video games and a lounge area. Grassed powered sites, studio rooms, two-bedroom villas and three to four-bedroom houses offer unique homes away from home, plus there’s a lovely camp kitchen featuring stone benchtops, a mini-mart, separate men’s and women’s shower blocks, a dump point and a laundry. Spoil yourself with in-room massages during business hours, too.

a kid on a slide by the poolside
Slide for fun by the poolside. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

7. Jandarra Farm

Where: Tallebudgera Valley
Pet friendly? No

If you really want to get off the beaten track, Jandarra Farm’s country camping experience on a working farm should be top of your list. With just three sites (for either a tent, camper trailer, or 4WD caravan), it really lives up to its name: Jandarra means ‘place of peace’.

While you’re there, learn about the farm’s use of regenerative agriculture, visit onsite rockpools, take a self-guided walk through the rainforest and even enjoy a sauna. Join other campers around a communal campfire.

Jandarra Farm gold coast caravan park
BYO camper trailer or 4WD caravan and stay in the middle of nature.

Gold Coast hinterland

8. Thunderbird Park

Where: Tamborine Mountain
Pet friendly? Yes

A pooch-friendly escape amid lush tropical rainforest offers a totally unique holiday experience thanks to Thunderbird Park’s awesome caravanning grounds . Thunderbird Park, a popular outdoor activity hub built across 112 hectares of stunning hinterland, plays home to a collection of unpowered and powered bush sites suitable for both caravans and tents, and best of all, you can bring your four-legged friend along with you.

the entrance at Thunderbird Park
Head to Thunderbird Park for nature adventures. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

There are also two-bedroom, self-contained bush lodges and glamping tents on-site. The Gold Coast caravan park features a camp kitchen with barbecues, a laundry, fire pits at each site, several dump points and two eateries; The Terrace Kiosk dishing up pizzas and snacks, as well as the Rainforest Restaurant & Lounge Bar that’s more formal and fitted with a pool table, TV, and fireplace.

parents paddle biking with their children at Thunderbird Park
Experience paddle biking with your kids. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Gold Coast suburbs

9. Ashmore Palms Holiday Village

Where: Ashmore
Pet friendly? No

In the mood for a resort-style ritz on the Gold Coast but struggling to splurge on the cost? Ashmore Palms Holiday Village is a 15-acre Gold Coast holiday park that houses a bunch of apartments and villas, plus powered caravan sites.

a two-bedroom cabin at Ashmore Palms Holiday Village
Ashmore Palms Holiday Village also offers bedroom cabins for long-term rentals.

Just a 10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, two lagoon-style swimming pools with one featuring a baby-friendly splash zone, two playgrounds, three laundries, barbecue areas, a tennis court, a general store, an activity centre that stages regular programs of kids’ games and arts and crafts, plus exotic bird aviaries, provide bucketloads of one-stop-shop fun for the whole family.

an aerial view of Ashmore Palms lagoon
Plunge right into the pool lagoon.

10. Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Where: Helensvale
Pet friendly? Yes

Offering some of the most convenient theme park accommodation on the Gold Coast, Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is the ultimate children’s playground in itself. The Gold Coast caravan park, located right between the two heavy clusters of theme parks along the Pacific motorway so it’s undoubtedly some of the region’s best family accommodation, caters for clans of all shapes and sizes, including the furry variety.

an old couple petting their dog at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Your furry friends are also welcome here. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Here you’ll find unpowered and powered sites for campervans, trailers, caravans, and tents, plus one, two and three-bedroom cabins. You’ll find a sprawling waterpark on site plus plenty of kids’ activities, a resort-inspired pool and spa area fitted with luxurious cabanas, a leash-free dog park, doggy wash and even a dog-sitting service, licenced cafe and so much more. Further comfort is ensured via a laundry, camp kitchen and barbecue facilities, plus there’s a sewage dump point.

11. Treasure Island Holiday Resort

Where: Biggera Waters
Pet friendly? Yes

Another high-energy Gold Coast caravan park, Treasure Island Holiday Resort offers a wide range of powered sites that also cater for dogs if you’re holidaying outside the school holiday periods. A mix of caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, and tent-friendly sites are available for guests to set their digs up and dump their belongings before getting stuck into the park’s impressive range of facilities and activities.

a family relaxing on the ground with a blanket at Treasure Island Resort
Enjoy moments of leisure and relaxation with your loved ones. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

A pirate-themed waterpark, four swimming pools including one with a waterslide, go-kart hire, a kids’ club, mini golf and bouncing pillow will keep little ones entertained while barbecue facilities, a cinema, Galleons Bistro’s a la carte dining, a gym and camp kitchen should help grownups settle in quickly. There’s also a boat ramp, laundry, and dump point on hand.

a little boy having fun while playing at Treasure Island Resort
Year-round activities are available for kids at the resort. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Looking for kid-friendly activities on the Gold Coast? Feel your heart racing at the top Gold Coast theme parks here.

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
See all articles
hero media

An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.